italianmama41

I had my gastric sleeve on March 30, 2011 and have lost 118 lbs. so far...................

Suggestions needed.............. I have limited time each day (go figure right? like everyone else?????) My questions are: 1) Can you break your workout apart -- for example do 30 minutes of cardio (walking, etc....) in the AM then do weight lifting/toning in the PM (every other day)? 2) If I find time to do both - what do you start with - for example walking then weights or weights then walking? I've been attempting to exercise 6-7 days a week and just recently added the strength training to my workout so there is where the confusion set in. Thanks for all the answers!!

The book was OK -- I agree with the earlier post - it's more for the RNY. Check it out from your library, that's what I did and I'm glad I didn't waste my money.

Had my surgery with Dr. Trivedi at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, New York. It's been 4 1/2 weeks and I feel great - I'm down 49 lbs. since preop (33 lbs.since surgery). I would highly recommend St. Peter's and Dr. Trivedi -- it would be well worth the drive from anywhere.

I think you should call your doctor - that's what they are there for. It's better to call them earlier rather than later. Good luck, hope you feel better!!

You look amazing!! Keep up the good work!! Love the dress too.

My surgeon was Dr. Mehul Trivedi in Albany, New York. My surgery was at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany. I would highly recommend not only Dr. Trivedi, but all the staff (nurses, techs, etc...) at St. Peter's -- they were absolutely awesome. No complaints at all -- loving my sleeve!!

WOW you look wonderful! Congratulations! Thanks for posting the pics -- gives all of us "newbies" something to look forward to.

I'm in Saratoga Springs, NY (a little further north than you) -- I was sleeved on March 29th at St. Peter's in Albany -- so far this is the best decision I've made!! If you want to talk PM me. Take care and good luck!

Italianmama41 starting weight 322 current weight 275 goal weight 245 lbs to goal 30 surgery date 3-29-2011 (Yeah!!) vertical sleeve gastrectomy ** 27 days since surgery and I'm finally feeling great!!! **

2 weeks was the magic number for me to feel human. Stopped pain meds at that time too, however, I occasionally still take them at night so I can sleep. I am a side sleeper too, and didn't sleep well until that 2 week start when I could carefully roll onto my side and place a pillow under my stomach. I was so sick of sleeping on my back and being uncomfortable!! I cryed during that 1st week too, thinking "what the hell did I do?". Kids05 Dr. Trivedi will allow you to stay out longer from work -- you need the time to heal. I just started on pureed's this week and it is a little better. Liquids did stink, big time, I barely got enough fluids in - and I'm so sick of cream of chicken soup I'll probably never eat it again. I know that many people have posted this same thing in the forum, and I didn't believe it at the time, but I promise IT REALLY DOES GET BETTER EACH AND EVERY DAY! Good luck and keep your head held high -- it's a courageous thing we've all done and it will pay off in the long run. Kid05 - call me if you need to talk - I'm here for you!!!!

I know that there have been posts about this elsewhere at the forum, but please bear with me!! I had the sleeve on 3/29/11 (2 1/2 weeks ago) and lost 17 lbs. in the first 1 1/2 weeks. My problem is -- now I'm not losing - it's depressing already. I'm eating only what I'm supposed to (I'm on purees still), walking at least 30 minutes a day, getting enough water, basically everything I'm supposed to be doing. My question for you all is -- IS THIS NORMAL? WHEN WILL I START TO LOSE AGAIN!! I'm paranoid this will end up being yet another "thing" I fail at. Thanks for the info.

Strange question, but here goes.....I've had my right thigh go numb since my surgery - doesn't happen all the time just every once in awhile. At night it gets progressively worse and even gives me sharp pains at times. I told my doctor and he was perplexed, sent me for doppler studies to rule out a DVT and they came back normal. I wonder if it's just the way I'm sleeping - on my back. I still can't get comfortable on my side - especially the left which is the way I always sleep. Any suggestions........

I haven't been to any support groups yet, but they gave me all the info in the hospital (you'll meet Marilyn - the bariatric coordinator) and I plan on going to the first one on the 27th of April. My emotions ran wild for about a week before -- and yes, I even went out for my "last meal" at Chianti in Saratoga and thought "what the heck am I getting ready to do"? My family and friends have been very supportive and I know a few people who have had the gastric bypass and did great, however, the sleeve was "unchartered territory". My first few days were rough -- he also had to repair a hiatal hernia on me. I'm feeling much better today and I've already lost 15 pounds from my 1st day in the hospital. My feet actual have veins I can see. I'll talk with you soon, Sandy

I had my surgery with him last tuesday 3/29. I think he and his team are wonderful. Can't say enough about the care I received at St. Peter's - the nurses, techs, etc... were all outstanding. The first few days were tough, but it's been getting better each day. I just saw him for my postop appointment today and passed!! Be prepared you will have a drain on the right side of your abdomen for about 10 days - I got use to it after a while and today he took it out. Keep me posted -- it'll be interesting to see how we both progress being 2 weeks apart. P.S. I live in Saratoga Springs, how about you???

Congratulations!! Every day gets better and better!! Welcome to the the "losing" side!

I'm a week out today and although I'm feeling better -- the left incisional pain gets me a lot!! I also was having a lot of trouble sitting in a chair or upright because my left side would just about have me doubled over. Never thought about the swelling -- that makes sense now. Can't wait until I'm feeling like my old self (minus the extra weight!!). Thanks for sharing the info, you guys are great!

I'm feeling pretty darn good after having my VSG on 3/29, however I'm a little frustrated at how my meal plan is going. I'm only on full liquids (shakes, pudding, etc...) and am trying to follow a schedule. My problem is I can tolerate about 2-3 oz of whatever I'm drinking, feel full and stop. I'm hungry though in about an hour later. My question is -- is this normal? Once I'm on actual foods (pureed, soft, etc..) will I stay full longer? Any info is appreciated.

My surgery is scheduled for 7:30 AM tomorrow morning. Really scared, wondering if I'm making a huge mistake!! Received lots of good wishes at work today (which helped a little) and my family is super supportive. I want to say thanks to all the VST members and their support over the last few weeks too -- answering my posts have calmed my nerves too. See you all on the "loser side".

I'm being sleeved in the AM -- and boy, did I go crazy cleaning the house and doing all the laundry this past weekend!! I figured I'd be looking at it enough in the coming days, so why not??? So I guess I had big time nesting!!

I'm having the sleeve on March 29th (4 more days) -- I'm still committed but was wondering if anyone has any regrets after having it done? After reading all the posts on here, I know the beginning stinks, but how about after that?

Love reading your posts -- you're right on the ball!! My surgery is scheduled also for 3/29 -- keep the posts coming - it'll be interesting to see how you're doing at the same time as me. Good luck!!

I'm scheduled to be sleeved on Tuesday (3/29) -- but have been "taste testing" different types of protein drinks over the last month or so. I have found the Chike is probably the best tasting (order it online only - they will send you free samples, just pay shipping) I didn't like any of GNC's except the unflavored (for the record you can try any of their flavors and bring them back for a full refund no questions asked!!). I also ordered a bunch of samples of www.vitalady.com that were yummy. I just hope now that my tastes don't change too much after surgery!! Good luck on your journey!!!!!!

I'm an Registered Nurse in an Operating room and yes, you will most likely have to remove any piercings. The reason that we as nurses and doctors require that is because in the OR we use cautery (which helps to stop bleeding). If you have metal on your body you run the risk of getting an electrical burn (rare, but it happens). If that happens you may end up needing a skin graft, etc... If you're really worried, mention it to your surgeon, and ask if you can replace them with plastic studs (which you can get at any tattoo/piercing studio). Help this helps.

Congratulations to you and your husband - enjoy this special time!!